China's 2026 space missions: Moon landings, new tech, and long stays
China just dropped big plans for 2026—think lunar exploration, new spacecraft tests, and year-long astronaut missions.
The Chang'e-7 mission will head to the Moon's south pole, while new crewed spacecraft and supply runs are set to boost China's presence in space.
Chang'e-7: Searching for water at the Moon's south pole
Launching in August 2026, Chang'e-7 will send an orbiter, lander, rover, and even a hopping probe to explore the shadowy craters at the lunar south pole.
The main goal? Hunt for water ice that could help future lunar bases.
Mengzhou-1 & Shenzhou: Testing next-gen rides and longer stays
Mengzhou-1 will debut mid-year as an uncrewed test flight for China's next-gen crew ship—designed for future crewed lunar missions.
Meanwhile, Shenzhou-23 and -24 missions will keep three astronauts at a time on the Tiangong space station for science experiments and spacewalks.
Plus, Tianzhou cargo ships will bring supplies (and take out the trash), keeping everything running smoothly above Earth.